Tips for the Wedding Guests –
Are you attending a wedding soon? Here are some tips for you, the wedding guest.
For most weddings, invited guests are close family and friends who are close to the couple and part of their life. The couple really wants you, the invited guest to be part of their wedding ceremony and special day. Here are some tips for wedding guests.
- Dress code- When attending a wedding make sure you ask what the dress code is or dress up a little. I have recently seen a guest wear jeans with holes in them, a guest wearing a t-shirt, and a guest have a baseball hat on to a beach wedding. I do not think this is what guests should be wearing. The bride and groom take the time to put on their best, a wedding dress and suit or tux, and the guests should take the time to look nice. If the couple says dress casual since it is on the beach then casual dress could be khakis shorts and a button up shirt. For women, a dress would work. Don’t wear clothes with holes or spots and use an iron to press clothes if needed.
- Bring a gift- It is always polite to bring a gift to a wedding. The couple spends money on their wedding and invited you to the special day. Even if you had to travel, pay for a hotel, and buy an outfit, you still should buy the couple a present. Some ideas for gifts include gift cards to places the couple registered at, a lasting gift like a vase or picture frame, or basket full of kitchen items. Other gift ideas would be to use your talents. For example, if you are artistic, paint the couple a photo, if you like to take pictures take photos that the photography may have missed and make a photo book for the couple, or if you like to plant make the couple a flower basket to put in their new place together.
- Arrive ahead of time – If on the invitation it says the ceremony starts at 4, plan to be at the wedding at 3:45. Allow for traffic and to find a parking spot. For our beach wedding ceremonies the beaches of Pismo can be very crowded over the summer so parking may not be as easy to find. Make sure to be seated so the bride can make her grand entrance.
- Don’t always have your cell phone up and ready for photos – Sometimes capturing every moment is not necessary as a guest. The couple has hired professional photographers to take pictures during the ceremony, of guest and family members and of the couple. Let the photographers do their job and take the pictures. I’m sure the couple will be happy to share the photos with you. If you want to get a photo or two with the couple, wait until the photographer is finished with the pictures to snap your photos or ask the couple if the photographer can take picture with you and the couple. I had a wedding where it seemed that all 50 guests wanted to take a picture with the bride and groom. In the end, the couple only had 10 minutes left for pictures of the two of them – for most weddings, the couple has 30 minutes for couple photos.
The post Tips for the Wedding Guests appeared first on Elopements And Small Coastal California Weddings.

Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.